Sonic LAB Sequential Pro 3 Synthesizer Review

The designers at Sequential call this the best analog mono they've ever made. It certainly seems fully featured, and while there's some new stuff in here, it's still got that Sequential familiarity.
We take a look.
(no you didnt imagine it, this is a re-upload due to a glitch)
#soniclab
#sequential #pro3
Frozen Reverbs Racks for Live: bit.ly/freezemachines
Subscribe to Sonicstate on KZbin for new content!
bit.ly/SonicYTSub
Watch Sonicstate's Exclusive Series:
Sonic LAB: bit.ly/SonicLab
Meet The Makers: bit.ly/SonicMakers
Sonicstate Performances: bit.ly/SonicPerformances
Sonic TALK Podcast: bit.ly/SonicTalk
NAMM 2020: bit.ly/NAMM20
Website: www.sonicstate.com
Twitter: #!/sonicstate
Facebook: / wwwsonicstate
Instagram: / sonicstateuk
Podcast/iTunes: goo.gl/4uOFA5

[@echoloch500]

Hats off to Yamaha for giving the sequential name back to Dave.

[@smartwerker]

no doubt

[@midnightsocean2689]

They did as they should have IMO.

[@plutostube]

after they learn all the sequential schematics, hopefully they will have an analog synth after all

[@andrekucharzyk9706]

@@midnightsocean2689 Which is not something that corporations are known for. Therefore hats off to them, get it?

[@jessejarrar]

Nick's 1 hour or less jam-packed featurama with no BS! Love you for your time and efforts. Great quality to your videos.

[@KacyDennis]

Another well done, very informative review. Thank you again Nick. I'm glad that you let us hear at least some of the more pleasant, less angry and less distorted sounds that it can make. Most of the videos so far have tended to showcase primarily the brutal and noisy side of the instrument.

[@DavidJosephWesley]

I’ve had this amazing synth for a few weeks now and can 100% confirm that it is absolutely capable of gorgeous sounds. It actually excels at them. Here’s a video of me exploring a bit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3a8fnisjN1qb7s

[@danieljones-tg9oe]

My Pro 3 arrived today. It is so such fun to play. Thanks for your great demo's Dave.

[@stefg5261]

Another great review. Always a joy to watch!

[@davidslauson2412]

Outstanding review as always. What’s really impressive about this synth (and others by Sequential) is that all of the deep modulation and synthesis features are readily accessible, and despite any underlying complexity is easy to navigate and understand without getting hopelessly lost. Sequential’s user interface design is exceptionally good. Well done!

[@DavidJosephWesley]

Fantastic review, Nick! I’ve had this amazing synth for a few weeks now and absolutely love it. It’s an incredibly versatile, beautiful and powerful instrument. I have the SE and really dig the adjustable angle on the control panel. i’m having a blast using it on all of my current projects.

[@Hesohi]

Nick B. The originator of the You Tube Synth Demo Category. Surely the inspiration for many of the Synth Demo channels that came after. None of them have the same experience with synths as had Batt. I still trust his honesty. I have at least 3 synths that I have bought after his reviews. In the age of sponsored content, it’s nice to get an honest impression. Thanks.

[@lit3work]

He’s being doing it for over ten years and I agree, he is a prime reference point for me when purchasing synths.

[@inthefade]

It is also just about his taste. He can always draw the sounds out of a synth that I like, whereas some of the other reviewers don't really have the same aesthetic as me or play obnoxious melodies to demonstrate features. Nick is always performing and making something beautiful while demonstrating, and it makes the videos more pleasant to watch.

[@Hlecktro]

Yeah, now that I think about it, I'm always watching a nick review for synths. I think the only synth Nick didn't like was the Ax-Edge... GAZ loved it tho haha... yeah and I bought one too

[@natbvm1880]

Oh cool, I didn't know he was one of the first. I know I trust him cause he's sooooooo good at this, but knowing this makes me appreciate SonicState even more!!

[@jamaharon]

Nick is the only one i watch. I don't like all others, They seems to not bring something new from experience, more like a manual readers at best. can't stand the american adverting talk (" you can do everything you want") I also like the "warp records" scent :)

[@soundvapor]

Excellent review that peels through all the layers of a very deep synth!!! Next level mono for sure!

[@RayR]

Sounds fantastic. Deep and raw. We live in such great synth times with so many great gear options.

[@susanbaker3392]

Nick I just like to big you up, you do the best synthesizer reviews on KZbin you really put the time in and get to know the synths you review 👌👍

[@rocketronica1652]

I was looking into this synth lately. I watched a lot of videos but this is probably one of the most informative videos around. The reviewer is very knowledgeable.

[@rosscogiordano1796]

Nick is AMAZING. Subscribe to this channel to see how in depth he gets with synths. His solo work is phenomenal, too.

[@AJL200]

Me too - I've been waiting for his review and it didn't disappoint

[@McN4styFilth]

I've been in love with this DAMNED instrument ever since I first heard it.

[@markofthenorth9512]

This sounds and looks fantastic. Just looks wonderfully inspirational and immediate.

[@Ajimalmusic]

That is absolutely gorgeous at 10:29! Nick, you've done it again! Sounds beaut.

[@paulburkhart2619]

Built-in effects sound great. Lovely review.

[@CaidicusProductions]

This is such a beautiful synthesizer, thanks for the video, Nick.

[@1samwhich]

Wonderful sounding synth and well presented as usual. Thanks Nick! A feature i'd love to see in these digitally controlled mono synths sequencer/arp section is the ability to randomize full patterns, note lengths and/or note velocity as well as unusual pattern legnths to create constantly evolving patterns. But then be able to use these patterns as a modulation source via the matrix. Like the Virus TI2 arp section. The happy accidents that come out of that are unreal and soooooo much better than manually programming each step.

[@RundFyrkant]

I did not think I'd get another monosynth again but this one makes me think. It's sounds, looks, and operates amazing. What an awesome piece of machinery! 🎵🎶

[@Psychlist1972]

Those effects sound fantastic

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Tuned feedback feature is amazing!

[@final_mile_music9713]

I’ve cycled though some amazing mono/polysynths that I’d have loved to have kept for their individual quirks and character. The Matriarch and the Sub 37 spring to mind. However, the Pro 3 took their place and has been retained. That’s telling. While I don’t pretend it’s a matriarch replacement in character and use, the Pro 3 is perfectly designed. It’s like a Swiss Army knife and is feature rich yet easy to use. More than any other synth. (Including the Prophet 5 (I have the 10 BTW) it’s all of Dave Smith’s knowledge distilled into one synth. It’s fantastic.

[@derbax2529]

Awesome review again! Thanks nick

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Personally I think this was an honest comprehensive review. No need for you to get hyped (or not), just deliver the facts, which is exactly what you did . I think we can all unbiasedly make up our minds about this one. Personally I'm liking this one alot . It seems to have a little bit of everything pack in thoughtfully. Enjoy what it does have, not what we wish for . Great intresting review Nick.

[@philxdev]

still not sure about this one.. really seems like a good package. but you have to get your hands on it to really see what is what.. I still think the pro2 should not have been discontinued..

[@andymann2729]

Sequence lock is underrated

[@bis5260]

Awesome Synth, thank you for this superb+ demonstration! Best Clip @ KZbin!!

[@martinfuhs8955]

The End was really nice. Wonderful ambient atmospheres.

[@danieljones-tg9oe]

Thanks for a great demo Nick.

[@bis5260]

This is my BEST Synth!!! I love this sooo much!!

[@_fig.8]

fave synth of the year. bass that sits in a mix. bite when needed. atmospheric paraphonics. steppable wave table inspired with arp and sequencer. killer footprint.

[@PatrickDSP]

Probably one of the best synths I've owned in my career. Well done Dave Smith. Great review Nick!

[@gombocrecords3347]

ok this confirms, Im buying

[@andymann2729]

Agreed, I love this thing but I kinda get the feeling Nick's not a fan. It's always the firsone I turn on and the last one I turn off. I read somewhere that someone said it's not great for bass, tell that to my windows please.

[@Dartagnan65]

Yea, Nick is not enjoying it. I lost a lot of respect for him watching this. This is one of the best mono synths ever made.

[@MagnitudePerson]

He seems to enjoy and talk positive of it, so IDK whats him coming to a completely different conclusion@@Dartagnan65

[@tranceemerson8325]

Nick is the only man that comes to me and starts talking about synths. I have to say that I appreciate it.

[@digbybrown8991]

A fair review. I really want one. One thing re: oscillator panning though - in order to individually pan oscillators, you need to have stereo filters for them to run into. Considering there are 3 different filters in the Pro 3, doubling each of them would probably significantly add to the cost and complexity. "Pan" (of the whole sound) is a mod destination though.

[@VincentPresley]

Damn it. You sold me on the Hydrasynth and now I might be buying this. It's been a pricey year. You and Tim Shoebridge have the best, most classy and informative synth demos / reviews. Even when I HATE a synth I'll sit through the entire videos. UPDATE: yeah, bought the Pro 3 too. Great synth. Definitely has more oomph than the Pro 2 but the Pro 2's additional filter, lfo, osc, and envelope are nice. Right now I think I'm keeping both. Thanks for your great reviews!

[@novalogue]

And now? Does one synth had to go?

[@VincentPresley]

@@novalogue I got the Pro 3, sold it and got the much better looking limited edition Pro 3, then realized I like the Pro 2 way better. The filter system on the Pro 2 was one of the best. But in the end I got rid of the Pro 2 as well because the Poly Evolver, Tempest, and Prophet X are really giving me all the best Dave Smith I need. I buy and sell and trade a lot. I like to try everything for myself.

[@novalogue]

@@VincentPresley Can relate if you own those - thanks for the feedback

[@daniellllll]

This synth is amazing!! Hope to get it someday !!

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

That tuned feedback thing is f'ing awesome.

[@ToyKeeper]

The tuned feedback and distortion are almost as useful as the filter. After using them, it's hard to imagine ever buying a synth without these features. And then there's the mod matrix. And the effects. And the sequencer. And the UI! Everything else on the market just seems primitive, in comparison.

[@gkeaoyrge]

Some gorgeous earlier Brian Eno-esque stuff at the end there Nick!

[@LesterH25]

Brilliant authentic review.

[@kw7865]

Nice well balanced review. Did not dwell on the FX section too much, as you sometimes do 😀. Everything was covered at a reasonable depth to get a good overview. Maybe a bit more time on the digital Oscillator would have been nice. My SE edition arrived two days ago. Love it especially the sequencer.

[@sauce_aux]

I already have one, but I wanted to witness Nick back in his natural habitat. 😎 great to have you back Nick!

[@beataddiction6954]

Your patch at 14 mins was a beauty..!

[@420gravy4]

Outstanding board! Tigercide got their paws on one when they first dropped, it's a very dynamic and inspirational instrument! Thanks for posting.

[@MsRobstar]

Sounds amazing! Can you please show how you built the beautiful patch at:10:53? Thank you for your work 🙏🏾‼️

[@wingoshack]

He just made all of modern ambient music at the end there like no problem

[@danselmix]

Damn Nick! I was ready to ignore this one, and then you made it sounds amazing! Now I´m looking around me for stuff to sell!

[@briansherling5515]

I’ve owned way too many synths in my time, Starting with Korg dw8000 in 1986. I have traded or sold so many and currently I’m owner of Waldorf iridium, Korg prologue 16 and….PRO 3. The most infectious synth I’ve ever owned. It has multiple personalities. I owned a prophet x and a prophet 08 and I never bonded with either. There something in the overall tone that never grabbed me. Not so with pro 3. You can get so many sounds out of it and the sequencer is so easy and so flexible. A pretty substantial feat to say the least. It’s a huge huge value for the money! I can honestly say I’ll never part with it. I don’t think I’ve ever felt synth heaven before. Always something missing. My three synths are SYNTH HEAVEN.

[@DMS198526]

I have an iridium, going to pick up the pro 3 this week, I’m so excited haha. Love ur comment 👍

[@Lyubota]

I have iridium too. As well as pro-3 and take-5. And Subsequent 25 (because of Moog). I like them all)

[@TigercideOfficial]

Pro 3 is amazing & it's our next synth. Your reviews are great Nick, as always. Thanks for posting !

[@snoolee7950]

In all its lovely fonty glory

[@soundsofsynth]

Great review of a great synth.

[@ToyKeeper]

The gnarly, impolite capabilities of this synth are the main reason I'm still drooling over it several months later. Also, the ease of using its sequencer while transposing. I hope I can get one someday.

[@ToyKeeper]

Update: There was a good Black Friday sale, so I got one. It's fantastic. Not disappointed at all. This thing is so deep it'll probably keep me busy for _decades_ ... and yet, it's also quite easy to use. It's incredibly rare to find this much power _and_ such a good UI together in one place.

[@theking11029]

This has won several award too 🥇

[@jjrusy7438]

this is a wonderful synth. It sounds great even thru youtube. I imagine this would make a great solo synth live, especially if it was mine haha.

[@10sync]

gonna buy it next week

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

SInce yall never did the PRO2, I was hoping that the review of the PRO3 would really be a combo review and comparison. Oh well, still very nice and informative. The tuned feedback on the PRO2, you cant fine tune, its stepped, nice to be able to continuous it

[@Superlover]

pretty damn capable synth!

[@ravkosela2332]

Dear Nick, never is too much :-), that synth is a beast

[@DanielDavissynthman]

Really nice review. I think I still prefer the Pro2 for ambient and sound design. This seems better for that vintage analog sound, though, if that’s what you’re into.

[@raelic3]

Hands down my favorite keyboard right now. It's so deep with modulation options. The sequencer makes it really shine. One tip; the random function is your friend (mod matrix). Use this to apply slight detune on each note press

[@eligioelini9194]

I am a lucky owner of this wonderful tool. I am an amateur and have only recently owned it. The English manual is not very helpful to me. Thanks for this video, which allowed me to understand the sequencer better. It is nice to follow a passionate person like you. Thanks and good continuation.

[@brianreilly6545]

Nice review thx! No real time note recording is the only thing preventing me from buying. Work flow killer. Hopefully in a firmware update.

[@FaidedBTB]

I can’t believe there are no videos comparing the Pro3 to the Pro one that’s Amazing

[@kierenmoore3236]

Amen. WTH?!

[@ToyKeeper]

Am very tempted to get one and use it as my primary or only synth, multitracked in a DAW. I love the harsh, grungy sounds it makes, and it can also do virtually any other type of synth sounds too. I don't tend to use polyphony much, just several monophonic tracks at the same time, so it would probably be a good fit for my style. Also, love the quick workflow for sculpting sounds and performing manual modulations.

[@_User333]

Are you starting new or already have existing synths?

[@ToyKeeper]

Currently using a Microbrute and a Blofeld, mostly, with an Atmegatron plugged into the Microbrute as an extra oscillator, and a Korg KP3 added for effects. Also a Digitakt for drums. Sometimes a Microkorg XL. The Pro 3 would replace the Microbrute and Atmegatron, and allow me to move the KP3 to the Digitakt where it'd be more useful. Don't really need the Microkorg any more either. Some songs with this setup are on my channel. I'd suggest "Easy Does It" to see the overall setup (dawless mode, a bit old) or "Four Chords Explored" for something more recent I made as a proof of concept for multitracking a monosynth.

[@_User333]

@@ToyKeeper I like anyones thinking that the Pro 3 can be the main studio focus. If you dont mind me saying in your situation I'd sell everything except the Digitakt. Buy the Pro 3, then if you like Elektron, buy Elektron Model:Samples, then get Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 25-Key Smart Keyboard Controller to sit next to the Pro 3. The A25 would connect to the Model:Samples as you create leads and pad samples off the Pro 3 to run with the A25/Model:Samples setup.

[@ToyKeeper]

... I'm confused. Why would I want to downgrade from Digitakt to Model:Samples, and downgrade from my existing keys to an entry-level 2-octave midi controller? I tried the Elektron workflow for a while, and it was nice for some things, but I found it mostly just got in the way for songs longer than a pattern or two... so I switched to Reaper. That's why I'm considering a nice monosynth now, since I can arrange audio clips instead of being limited to just midi. I might also consider selling the Digitakt eventually, since I no longer need its midi sequencing features and I have three other drum machines. Anyway, not planning to sell the Blofeld module. It's way too useful, and does exactly the things a Pro 3 can't. A multi-timbral digital poly is a good companion for an analog mono.

[@_User333]

@@ToyKeeper I wouldnt call it a downgrade it would be a tidy-up and keeping only essential devices assuming you have limited space ie you are considering it as "primary or only synth" thats why I asked if you already have a setup or not. My idea on the sampler is that your only synth will be the Pro 3 which you would create samples of leads and pads in Reaper and load them on the sampler playable via the A25, simulating a second instance of the Pro 3. When you go DAWless you have your preferred drum machine running in sync with the Pro 3 and the A25/sampler you play the leads and pads. Youd have plenty of coin left over in selling old gear, smiles all round! :-)

[@nsjx]

Nice overvview, Nick. Thanks

[@andrewbird8624]

Wow this is gorgeous. I'm still not connecting with my Rev2 after years - but this really sounds like love to me. I can even get over the boxy layout. It's the TR7 of synths… oh that actually makes sense 😂

[@rleriche5044]

Showing my age here but TR7s look ace imo

[@madebythebird]

@@rleriche5044 😂 We all had the matchbox TR7!! And probably a Zx Spectrum.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Not sure you’ll get the value out of this, if you’re struggling using the Rev2, tho’.

[@Sousless]

Pulsar-23 in the back hints it's full review coming soon?

[@nathankirklambo1986]

i picked one up, love it!

[@saxmidiman]

That's All Lovely!

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Great Demo. Thanks

[@Adams420]

They weren't kidding around with that cutoff knob...

[@MadelnMachines]

This synth is amazing and I must have it! A poly pro 3 would be insane!

[@andreasfarmakis5422]

Exactly! We need polyphonic with a full keyboard!

[@SoundDesignTutorials]

Yeah I think wavetables on a mono synth is such a waste of potential..

[@1vootman]

Its in the works boys...thats the DSI/Sequential business pattern

[@kierenmoore3236]

Wouldn’t / won’t be cheap … !!!!

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Remember when VCOs in modern synths were unicorns? Remember when stock FX were shitty and just to showcase some presets? Man, have things changed in the last 5 years!

[@michaelpierce3264]

Nick what about the mfb synth pro like to hear you candid review on it

[@natbvm1880]

God DANG that sound at 10:00

[@chrisbran6739]

Hello! I think the best are raw sounds with no too much effects put on them.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Massive sound! I like it! Thank you for this demo!

[@MikeLindup42]

Great review, Nick.

[@reginaldbraithewaite5833]

Do you have two favorite monosynths -- one purely for sonics and one for flexibility and modulation possibilities? I'd love to know what they are. I do wish that the Pro 3 and Pro 2 had the pure stereo signal path of the Evolver.

[@Zetamus]

Must be a great success, still waiting for mine.😬

[@baconfister]

Wow, such a big synth… for such a small synth! Glad to see the Sequential Circuits name back! Now, just need to get Dave Smith to rent the building now occupied by Boston Scientific (they don’t do anything important anyway 😂) on First Street in San Joserville; surely rent is less than in San Francisco these days, but not by much.

[@midnightsocean2689]

Are the filters analog or digital? Your patch at 10:30 is wonderful! I mean just REALLY glorious. I noticed though, there is a little hiss sound with each key stroke, that decays shortly after. Was that intentional noise? Or is that some sort of noise artifact from the envelope, digital oscillator or effects?

[@kierenmoore3236]

All 3 filters are analog … The entire signal path is analog, if you’re not using the effects.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I do wish that they had made the synth have the ability to use more than one filter at a time to modulate the oscillators. I like how I can do this with my Elektron Analog 4 with multiple filters at the same time. Darn shame they did not make it this way.

[@markb716]

Wondered where your reviews had disappeared to Nick..!! Can you review the Nord Wave 2 please..??

[@cronenbergj]

Some nice , Warm full sounds from this one. Most other demos, make it sound like just a Nasty Noise kinda Harsh "thin" sounding...Very broad range...

[@KordTaylor]

“That little extra bit of smudge” Nick is 😎

[@mpmi7588]

Do you or anyone think the sequencer can be updated firmware wise so it can record in real-time?

[@porfiry]

This thing has slowly really worked its way into my consciousness

[@LesterH25]

Haha yes me too. Oh no! .

[@porfiry]

Lester H- -Moments in Time I know right... there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about dumping the cash for one.

[@SyntheticFuture]

What a beauty. Still wondering if I should sell my JD-XA and get one of these...

[@wetfishtail6]

JD-XA is genius. Tried it and loved it. Don’t get rid of it. Just pair it with the PRO-3.

[@kierenmoore3236]

I liked what I’ve heard from the XA, as well … 😎

[@KordTaylor]

Nick knows so much about how to use all the features in these super deep synths..

[@smartwerker]

Any CV input can be used as a gate input.

[@Jason75913]

your "little paraphonic patch" is quite nice

[@happylittlesynth]

This might be just silly user error, but when assigning the tri lfo to cutoff, and having cutoff at zero, it doesnt fully open the filter to 100% and back down again...even with depth at 100%....am i doing something wrong here? (tried googling but didnt find any answer)

[@chunkystylemusic]

Who else makes in-depth product demos with really brilliant musical examples, all while coining gems like "fonty glory"? There's only one Nick Batt, bless 'm!

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Nick, ahead of the rest, and still the best Sonicstate ! 😀

[@moogy77]

I have this piece and it's great, I hope they fix the bug, it's big one. While in the play list, you can't edit many functions or use the ribbon.

[@rdean150]

And all knobs output MIDI CC? Does it have a companion app like the Subsequent 37 and Minitaur?

[@embodie_breaks7089]

yes

[@hadror13]

I'm in ♥

[@Innocence44]

gotta do a friday fun imrov with this beast

[@harveytherobot]

That patch at 10:27 is beautiful!

[@DennisNy75]

this makes me want to sell my dominion 1. Such a Upgrade

[@NickHchaos]

Very different idea..I used to have one, but a Waldorf KB37 with your own modules is more interesting and powerful. But I have a pro 2 because it’s an internally routed modular.

[@OscillatorCollective]

At that price, that’s a lot of power, I expected it to be much more.

[@philphilphil]

The sounds are amazing. Can someone briefly explain to me the difference between the Pro3 vs the Prophet 6?

[@googlingthevoid]

Pro 3: monosynth, deep modulation Prophet 6: polysynth, knob per function